“THE WORD OF GOD”

(I Peter 1:24-25)

I remember a speaker at chapel in Bible college telling of a blind lady who had the Scripture in Braille. After a certain amount of time she lost her ability to use her fingertips to read the Scripture. Weeping, she pulled her Bible to her mount to kiss the precious book, and she notice that she could feel the letters with her lips. This is then how she read her Bible.

Is the Word of God precious to you?

Principles Concerning the Written Word:

1) We believe this is God’s Word by faith.

2) The Word of God was given to us by inspiration.

3) The word of God was without error in the original manuscripts. I am willing to discuss textual debates, but not like a liberal or a scoffer who does not believe we have the Word of God.

4) The Word of God is historically and scientifically accurate. This Word of God was not given to teach us science or world history, it is a Living Book that shows us the living God and His work with mankind.

5) The Word of God has been preserved for us and we have reliable translations. We can say with confidence that we have the Word of God.

6) The Word of God is a gift from God.

There is no comparison in any book from any time. The numbers are phenomenal.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO ME?

To little ones no much; they are totally dependent on us.

To the next group up it should begin to mean a lot more; you can hear and believe the Gospel (Romans 10:17).

To the young but maturing at a fast rate – this understanding is vital for your salvation and spiritual growth (Psalm 119:9-16).

All the Rest:

- Mockers (outwit God)

- Skeptics and doubters (stumblers)

- Growers – by faith we received by faith we proceed.

What I believe concerning the Word of God is making a difference in my life right now.

If I am a mocker, I must constantly work on my mocking.

If I am a doubter I must constantly be concerned about my doubting.

If I am a grower (by faith I believe, by faith I proceed) – The Word of God will assume an important place in my life.

Psalm 119:105 – “Thy Word if a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.”

There is comfort (II Cor. 1)

There is encouragement (Eph. 6:10)

There is constant challenge (Eph. 5:18)

There is instruction (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Now lets go back to I Peter 1:24-25 through 2:3.

As I watched with great interest the glories of man being demonstrated and honored in the games . . . I kept thinking . . . I Peter 1:24-25.

At a Gideon dinner I was invited to, I listened to a speaker from Nigeria. Fascinating! Excellent and interesting speaker – I’d say even better than Norb.

But, Oh, did that man love God! And did he challenge the men and women of the Gideons to keep sending the Bibles.

He warned us – our sin will be accounted of before God.

But, he said, the resource the U.S. is for sending out Bibles is unmatched. No one is close.

“To whom much is given, much will be required” said Jesus.

This Nigerian man said . . . keep up the good work. He thinks that our willingness to be used by God is what keep s us blessed and preserved by God.

#1 – Watch our for your faith that we have the Word of God.

#2 – Always be sharing the Word of God, it never returns empty.